Quick Ways To Link NIN to MTN (After Being Blocked) 2025

Getting blocked by MTN is frustrating. You can’t make calls. No texts. It’s annoying. If you’re stuck, don’t worry. You can still fix it. I’ll show you how to link your NIN to MTN after being blocked.

It works. I know because I’ve done it. Let’s dive in.

Simple Steps To Link NIN to MTN (After Being Blocked)

When MTN blocks your line, it’s usually because you haven’t linked your NIN. It’s a rule. The Nigerian government made it mandatory. If your line is blocked, linking your NIN will restore your access.

1. Check If Your MTN Line Is Blocked

First, confirm if your line is actually blocked. Sometimes, it’s a network issue. Here’s how to check:

Try making a call. If you hear, “Your line is restricted,” it’s blocked.
Send a text. If it doesn’t go through, you’re blocked.
Check your data. If you can’t browse, it may be a block.

If all these fail, it’s confirmed. Your MTN line is blocked.

2. Link Your NIN Using USSD Code

This is the fastest method. Even if your line is blocked, you can still use USSD. Follow these steps:

Dial *996# on your MTN line.
Select “NIN Linking” from the options.
Enter your 11-digit NIN carefully.
Confirm and submit.

Wait for a confirmation message. If successful, your line will be restored within 24 hours. Sometimes sooner.

3. Link NIN to MTN Through SMS

If USSD doesn’t work, try SMS. It’s simple and effective. Here’s how:

Open your phone’s messaging app.
Type NIN [your NIN]. For example: NIN 12345678901
Send it to 996.

You’ll receive a confirmation message. This means MTN has received your NIN. It usually takes a few hours for them to process it.

4. Use the MTN NIN Portal

MTN has an online portal. You can use it if your line is blocked. Here’s how to do it:

Go to https://mtn.ng/nin.
Enter your MTN number.
Type in your NIN.
Submit and wait for confirmation.

It’s easy. Make sure your internet connection is stable.

5. Visit an MTN Service Center

Sometimes, online methods fail. If nothing works, visit an MTN office. Take these with you:

Your blocked MTN SIM card.
National Identification Number (NIN slip).
A valid ID (National ID card, Driver’s License, or Voter’s card).

Tell the staff you want to link your NIN. They will do it on the spot. Your line will be restored immediately or within a few hours.

6. What If You Forgot Your NIN?

No worries. You can retrieve it. Here’s how:

Dial *346#.
Select option 1 (“NIN Retrieval”).

It costs N20. Your NIN will appear on the screen. Write it down.

If it doesn’t work, visit an NIMC office. They’ll help you recover it.

Why Did MTN Block My Line?

MTN blocks lines for one main reason: Unlinked NIN. The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) made it a rule. Everyone must link their NIN to their SIM.

Other reasons include:

Wrong NIN submission.
Expired SIM registration.
Multiple unlinked lines under your name.

If any of these apply, your line gets blocked.

How Long Does It Take To Restore My MTN Line?

After linking your NIN, MTN usually restores your line within 24 hours. Sometimes it takes longer. Be patient.

If nothing happens after 48 hours, contact MTN support. Dial 300 from any MTN line or visit an office.

Can I Link My NIN If My SIM Is Completely Blocked?

Yes. You can still link your NIN even if your MTN SIM is fully blocked. Use these methods:

Dial *996# (it works on blocked lines).
Send your NIN via SMS to 996.
Use the online portal.
Visit an MTN service center.

MTN allows NIN linking on blocked lines to comply with regulations.

What Happens If I Don’t Link My NIN?

If you don’t link your NIN, MTN will permanently block your line. You can’t make calls. Even send texts or use data.

In some cases, they deactivate the SIM. If that happens, you lose your number forever.

Don’t panic if MTN blocks your line. It’s fixable. Link your NIN using USSD, SMS, or the online portal. If all else fails, go to an MTN office.

Stay updated. The government is strict about this. Linking your NIN is not optional anymore. Take action now and get your MTN line back.